How to Replace the Alternator Belt on a Stratus 2000
by Grace Mclain
The 2000 Dodge Stratus comes with a single belt that operates the alternator, the air conditioner pump, the water pump and the power steering pump. This belt is called a serpentine belt. The 2000 Stratus engine also has a idler pulley that helps control the tension of the belt. The serpentine belt controls all of these engine accessories by routing around each accessory pulley. As the motor is turning, the crankshaft is responsible for turning the serpentine belt around each accessory pulley.
Step 1
Drive the 2000 Dodge Stratus to a safe working location and open the hood.
Step 2
Locate the small diagram that gives the routing instructions for the new serpentine belt. The diagram on 2000 Dodge Stratus model cars is stamped either on top of the fan shroud or on the underside of the hood.
Step 3
Inspect the front of the engine and locate the automatic tensioner. This is the component that keeps the tension on the serpentine belt at all times. The automatic tensioner on the 2000 Stratus is below the alternator.
Step 4
Pivot the automatic tensioner counterclockwise by putting a metric socket onto the bolt head in the center of the tensioner pulley and using the breaker bar to turn the tensioner counterclockwise.
Step 5
Remove the belt out from around the automatic tensioner pulley with your hand, then slowly let the tensioner come back until it stops.
Step 6
Pull the serpentine belt out of each accessory pulley, then pull the belt out of the engine bay.
Step 7
Lower the new belt down into the engine bay. Route the new belt into each pulley by following the routing instructions on the diagram.
Step 8
Pivot the automatic tensioner pulley counterclockwise with the breaker bar again. Then slide the new belt around the automatic tensioner pulley. Slowly let the automatic tensioner come back until it stops. The tensioner will tighten the belt to the proper tension. Remove the breaker bar and socket from the tensioner.
Step 9
Look over the new belt to make sure that it is properly seated in the pulleys and that the belt has been routed exactly as the diagram has instructed.
Step 10
Crank the 2000 Dodge Stratus and let the motor run for around fifteen seconds to completely seat the new belt inside each pulley. Turn the engine off and close the hood.
References
- " Chrysler Cirrus, Dodge Stratus, Plymouth Breeze Haynes Repair Manual for 1995 thru 2000; John Haynes; 2001
- 2carpros.com: 2000 Dodge Stratus Belt Routing Diagram
Tips
- If the diagram for the serpentine belt has faded away or is missing, use a pen and a piece of paper to draw out the exact routing process of the old belt before removing it from the pulleys.
Things You'll Need
- 3/8-inch drive breaker bar
- Metric socket kit
- Replacement belt
Warnings
- Always keep hands away from any moving parts on the front of the engine while it is running.
Writer Bio
Grace Mclain has been writing professionally since 1998. Her articles have appeared on eHow.com, Answerbag.com and LIVESTRONG.COM, and she specializes in automotive and business topics. McIain has a professional writing certificate from JB Hunt in Little Rock, Ark.
